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Updated: May 1, 2025
Polikey, filled with pride at thought of the mission with which he had been intrusted, drew himself up with an air of pride, and, fixing his old hat more firmly on his head, buttoned his coat tightly about him and urged his horse to greater speed. If I wished to I might run away to Odessa instead of taking the money to my mistress. But no; I will not do that.
Having so much money, I could pay Nikita the four rubles fifty kopecks which I owe him, and yet have some left to buy shoes for the children." When near the house Polikey began to arrange his clothes, smoothing down his fur collar, re-tying his sash, and stroking his hair. To do the latter he had to take off his hat, and when doing so felt in the lining for the envelope.
The merchant, after reading the letter a second time and being convinced that all was right, gave Polikey the money, which he put in his bosom for safe-keeping. On his way to the house he did not once stop at any of the shops he passed.
Polikey stopped the horse on hearing the children, and Akulina placed them in the wagon, together with two others belonging to a neighbor all anxious to have a short ride. As Akulina helped the little ones into the wagon she took occasion to remind Polikey of the solemn promise he had made her not to touch a drop of vodki during the journey.
Polikey was employed in the stables to take care of two stallions, and, when necessary, to bleed the horses and cattle and clean their hoofs. In his treatment of the animals he used syringes, plasters, and various other remedies and appliances of his own invention.
The girl was standing and still breathing heavily from her late exertion as she continued: "Egor Mikhailovitch, the superintendent, has been to see our lady about having you drafted into the army, and, Polikey Illitch, your name was mentioned among others. Our lady has sent me to tell you to come up to the court immediately."
When the time came round for securing recruits for the army, all the peasants singled out Polikey as the first to be taken. The superintendent was especially anxious to get rid of him, and went to his mistress to induce her to have him sent away.
But the merchant cut him short by snatching the coat from him and throwing it angrily to one side. Polikey left the bazaar and returned to the merchant's house in high spirits. After supper he went out and fed the mare, and prepared everything for the night.
Polikey only shook his head and smiled significantly, saying: "'You, the mistress said to me, 'are a man resting under a grave suspicion a man who is considered unsafe to trust in any capacity; but I have faith in you, and will intrust you with this important business of mine in preference to any one else."
Take an oath before God, and kiss the cross, so that I may be sure that you will not break your promise!" Polikey replied in most contemptuous tones: "Do you think I will dare to touch vodki when I shall have such a large sum of money in my care?" "Akulina, have a clean shirt ready for the morning," were his parting words for the night.
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